March 20th, 2010 by Nancy Brown, Ph.D. in Better Health Network, Health Tips, Research
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You wouldn’t think that was a tough question – most doctors and therapists assessing risk in teenagers ask this simple question every day – but an accurate answer seems hard to get. A new study from the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University found no consensus among people 18- to 96 year-year-old when they were asked that question.
Thirty percent of the people did not consider oral sex, having sex. Twenty percent did not consider anal sex, having sex, and the winner – only 89% considered vaginal sex having sex if there was ejaculation. (Can I just say, hay carumba!)
This lack of consensus suggests that just asking the question “Have you had sex?” is pretty much a waste of time, unless you are very specific about the type of behavior you are asking about. In addition, if people do not consider these activities sexual, they are likely not worrying about the sexual risks associated with them. Be clear, be considered!
Photo credit: walknboston
This post, Ask Yourself: Have You Had Sex?, was originally published on
Healthine.com by Nancy Brown, Ph.D..
February 25th, 2010 by Nancy Brown, Ph.D. in Better Health Network, News, Research
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In fact, according to the results of an online survey about sex, relationships, and sexual respect, 60 percent of young men and teen boys lie about sex. In November, 1,200 males ages 15-22 took the survey conducted by TRU, Seventeen magazine and the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy.
Some of the findings include:
- 45 percent reported they were virgins;
- 60 percent admitted to lying about something related to sex: 30 percent lied about how far they have gone, 24 percent about their number of sexual partners, and 23 percent about their virginity status;
- 78 percent agreed there was “way too much pressure” from society to have sex;
- 57 percent of sexually active respondents reported having had unprotected sex; Read more »
This post, News Flash: Young Men Lie About Sex, was originally published on
Healthine.com by Nancy Brown, Ph.D..
December 30th, 2009 by Nancy Brown, Ph.D. in Better Health Network, News, Research
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This is a very scary reality. A recent study from the Indiana University School of Medicine suggests that half of young urban women will get a sexually transmitted infection (STI) shortly after sexual debut, while screening typically begins years later.
Researchers conducting the eight -year study found that by age 15, 25 percent of the adolescents in the study had acquired an STI, half within two years, and most often Chlamydia. The results also reflect a high repeat infection rate, with 25 percent of the teens getting at least one reinfection or other STI within 4 to 6 months.
The results, published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine call for health practitioners to inquire about sexual activity and screen teens, preferably every 3 to 4 months.
This post, Half Of Teens Contract A Sexually Transmitted Disease Within 2 Years Of First Having Sex, was originally published on
Healthine.com by Nancy Brown, Ph.D..
November 22nd, 2009 by Happy Hospitalist in Humor, True Stories
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When I initiate final hospital discharge planning, I am making a clinical judgment that the patient is safe to leave the monitored confines of the hospital system. Hospital discharge planning begins on the day of admission.
Good hospitalists are always thinking in their minds how to get the patient safely discharged in the quickest, safest and most efficient way possible.
Sometimes the patient wishes to leave against the medical advice of the physician. Sometimes they refuse to leave at the advice of the physician. And sometimes the physician and patient agree it’s time for the next level of care. Read more »
*This blog post was originally published at The Happy Hospitalist*
July 8th, 2009 by Nancy Brown, Ph.D. in Better Health Network
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Just a friendly reminder to parents that dating does not equal sex. I cannot tell you how many teens have shared with me that the first lecture they got from their parents when they started dating was about sexually transmitted infections, including HIV and unwanted pregnancy. Their reactions were “what?”
When young teens start dating it is because they have found themselves twitterpated (which is apparently not a real word), and attracted to someone. Chances are good it is more of an emotional attraction than a sexual one, and one that will wax and wane, usually end with tears, but not kill them.
It is easy to understand why parents panic and worry about sexuality and the risks associated with that sexuality – we live in an extremely over-sexualized culture that can make us believe that everyone is having sex – which is not true. Please remember that only half of teens start being sexual before they are 18, but most fall in love at least once before leaving high school.
Dating is about learning how to be in a relationship, and you will be doing your children a great service if you talk with them about relationships, not sex. It is a good idea to make the difference really clear for them, and make your expectations very clear, too! If you expect your teen to not become sexual, tell them that, and why. Ask them to tell you what there limits and expectations about relationships and sex are. Here are some topic suggestions:
- What do they think dating includes?
- What does sexual pressure look and feel like?
- How would your child resist sexual pressure?
- How long do they think people should date before the topic of sex even comes up?
- How will they know if someone is the “one?”
- What would have to happen before they did think about sexual behavior?
If the possibility exists that they will be sexual, then, you can have the conversation about sex – but not if they tell you they will not be swayed and are not interested – you have to trust them.
Many teens are afraid of dating or choose not to date because a partner may expect sex, so they find a friend or pseudo partner to attend events with and protect them from having to resist sexual pressure – which is a great strategy, but keeps them from trying on relationships.
Oh the conversations that we might have … keep talking and make sure they know you are open to talking – even about things that make you squirm.
This post, Teen Dating Does Not Mean They’re Having Sex, was originally published on
Healthine.com by Nancy Brown, Ph.D..
